I have a whole lot more to document on the final assembly which was completed back in august 2012. I never seem to find the time so here are some pictures of the completed bike in the meanwhile.
What a great accomplishment! The bike looks amazing and all the hard work you put into the research and design, ordering and sourcing parts, learning as you go through the mock-up, fabricating, paint and final makes it so much more rewarding and worthy of respect than simply buying a chopper. You did a great job and I thank you very much for taking the time to document your build and write such an in-depth blog. I've read it twice and even printed it off as a resource for my upcoming build. I look forward to reading the final assembly portion when you find time to post it.
Like everyone else, I have to say that's a sweet ride, great job, and what a helpful blog. I was working on my chopper build around the same time you were, bit by bit, and taken my time. Since we both were using mostly Ultima products, I'd often checking for updates learn from some of your more challenging post or to see how something would look on mines. Again, I just wanted to say thinks for the post, and sharing your build. I do have one very serious question: How does she ride??? :-)
Thanks for the comments everyone. To answer Lex's question: Rides like a dream. Bike is well balanced. My personal experience is the bike is just as eager to lean into corners as it is to go in straight lines.... and I have the scraped up forward controls to prove it! The theory that a 300 is not good for riding is BS. The power of the Ultima 113 is incredible - pulls like a jet. Ultima gearbox is a bit "chunky" but it works just fine. I ride everyday - as long as there's no rain! I would set the bike up higher next build though. 4.5" with extended forwards limits how hard you can throw the bike into sharp turns without scraping.
Wow... I completely agree with you on the next build must have higher ground clearance. Yes, low looks sexy, but it's a b!t*h having to repair/replace your scraped up chrome... As for the transmission, I haven't had any issues with mines but (in case you didn't know...[I know I did not..but found out quick) don't ever get your clutch basket wet and store it for a long period of time... I have had issues with the plates rusting/sticking together...and rendering the clutch inoperable. Also, do you have any video's of the beast running? I'd like to hear how she sounds. --Here's a YouTube video of mines running: http://youtu.be/Jg4Fs4uo0Fw and some pics of it on the Club Chopper Forum:
Hey Lex, that looks wicked! Sounds fantastic but I'm sure the neighbors won't agree LOL. I'll scratch out some video and get it up here - sounds much the same through the camera microphone - doesn't really do it justice
That Pro Street style of bike is exactly what I was looking to do for my first build. Your bike is beautiful and the care and time that you put into it definitely shows. Thanks for putting up such a detailed blog. I am going to use it as my reference manual for my first build. I have been doing a ton of research on frames and narrowed down MMW as well. I will give them a call and talk to Mike. By the way, do you have any pics of you riding so we can see how the ergonomics look. Thanks again, you have probably helped out more people than you think with their first time builds!
The bike is very well balanced because it is set up as RSD. In the early days builders were putting fat tires on standard LSD frames resulting in offset drivelines with resulting offset weight distribution. With the RSD frames, the weight is properly distributed. I recommend RSD if you are going for the fat tire. Anything 250 and up should use RSD frame in my opinion.
Thanks for the info. Would you be willing to talk via e-mail.... I am starting my build in a few months and it would be great if I could bend your ear on a couple items.... If you are willing my e-mail is kabby450@gmail.com. If that is ok shoot me a quick e-mail and I will respond. If not, I completely understand and we can keep the conversation here in your blog.
WOW...you nailed it. It flows like sweet syrup. Smooth as they get. Great job.
ReplyDeleteRex
Wyoming
great info u have included in ur website for me planning on starting a project....great looking bike...thanks
ReplyDeleteThanks for your positive comments.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great accomplishment! The bike looks amazing and all the hard work you put into the research and design, ordering and sourcing parts, learning as you go through the mock-up, fabricating, paint and final makes it so much more rewarding and worthy of respect than simply buying a chopper.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job and I thank you very much for taking the time to document your build and write such an in-depth blog. I've read it twice and even printed it off as a resource for my upcoming build.
I look forward to reading the final assembly portion when you find time to post it.
Colin, Saskatoon
Thanks Colin, that may be the motivation I need to finish this :-)
ReplyDeleteAmazing job!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! This is the best thing, Thank you so much for taking the time to share this exciting information.
ReplyDeleteCustom Chopper
Like everyone else, I have to say that's a sweet ride, great job, and what a helpful blog. I was working on my chopper build around the same time you were, bit by bit, and taken my time. Since we both were using mostly Ultima products, I'd often checking for updates learn from some of your more challenging post or to see how something would look on mines. Again, I just wanted to say thinks for the post, and sharing your build.
ReplyDeleteI do have one very serious question: How does she ride??? :-)
Thanks for the comments everyone. To answer Lex's question: Rides like a dream. Bike is well balanced. My personal experience is the bike is just as eager to lean into corners as it is to go in straight lines.... and I have the scraped up forward controls to prove it! The theory that a 300 is not good for riding is BS. The power of the Ultima 113 is incredible - pulls like a jet. Ultima gearbox is a bit "chunky" but it works just fine. I ride everyday - as long as there's no rain! I would set the bike up higher next build though. 4.5" with extended forwards limits how hard you can throw the bike into sharp turns without scraping.
ReplyDeleteWow... I completely agree with you on the next build must have higher ground clearance. Yes, low looks sexy, but it's a b!t*h having to repair/replace your scraped up chrome... As for the transmission, I haven't had any issues with mines but (in case you didn't know...[I know I did not..but found out quick) don't ever get your clutch basket wet and store it for a long period of time... I have had issues with the plates rusting/sticking together...and rendering the clutch inoperable.
ReplyDeleteAlso, do you have any video's of the beast running? I'd like to hear how she sounds.
--Here's a YouTube video of mines running:
http://youtu.be/Jg4Fs4uo0Fw and some pics of it on the Club Chopper Forum:
http://www.clubchopper.com/forums/members/lexstar-albums-custom-built-pro-street-chopper-named-theresa.html
Hey Lex, that looks wicked! Sounds fantastic but I'm sure the neighbors won't agree LOL.
DeleteI'll scratch out some video and get it up here - sounds much the same through the camera microphone - doesn't really do it justice
Deon,
ReplyDeleteThat Pro Street style of bike is exactly what I was looking to do for my first build. Your bike is beautiful and the care and time that you put into it definitely shows. Thanks for putting up such a detailed blog. I am going to use it as my reference manual for my first build. I have been doing a ton of research on frames and narrowed down MMW as well. I will give them a call and talk to Mike. By the way, do you have any pics of you riding so we can see how the ergonomics look. Thanks again, you have probably helped out more people than you think with their first time builds!
Thanks Jason. I added a picture of me on the bike so you can see the ergonomics.
DeleteLooks comfy!! Do you think having the RSD helps balance the bike...
ReplyDeleteThanks again!
Jason
The bike is very well balanced because it is set up as RSD. In the early days builders were putting fat tires on standard LSD frames resulting in offset drivelines with resulting offset weight distribution. With the RSD frames, the weight is properly distributed. I recommend RSD if you are going for the fat tire. Anything 250 and up should use RSD frame in my opinion.
DeleteDeon,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info. Would you be willing to talk via e-mail.... I am starting my build in a few months and it would be great if I could bend your ear on a couple items.... If you are willing my e-mail is kabby450@gmail.com. If that is ok shoot me a quick e-mail and I will respond. If not, I completely understand and we can keep the conversation here in your blog.
Thanks,
Jason